The Smithereens

The new album, which was recorded at Fidelitorium in North Carolina and at DiNizio’s home in Scotch Plains. It’s the seventh Smithereens album of original material and the first all-new effort since God Save The Smithereens in 1999. It’s no secret that the music industry has changed radically since then. But just like Stallone’s strong-willed boxer in the last installment of the Rocky movie franchise, the older, wiser, experienced and accomplished Smithereens are out to show anyone and everyone they still have what it takes to go the distance.

And on Smithereens 2011, the band members do just that. There is DiNizio’s deep, rich voice. Then you have Babjak’s gutsy, gung-ho guitar solos and Diken’s deft, diligent drum work. And you can’t miss Jornacion’s fluid, detailed bass lines. They still have the chops.

The older, wiser, experienced and accomplished Smithereens are out to show anyone and everyone they still have what it takes to go the distance.
What’s equally as important is they can still come up with good songs. Smithereens albums tend to have strong starts, and Smithereens 2011 opens with the potent one-two punch of “Sorry” and “One Look at You.” There’s top-shelf stuff throughout, and Dixon’s understated-yet-crafty production style serves the material — and the band’s performances — very well.

It’s been a long time — some would say too long — since the last original Smithereens album. The drought is finally over, and Smithereens 2011 is a welcome addition to the band’s catalog.